Sexual Assault

The definition of sexual assault has changed considerably over the years. It originally encompassed crimes that fell short of rape but nonetheless involved nonconsensual sexual contact. Historically, sexual assault crimes only dealt with assaults by men against women and did not apply to assaults between spouses

Now, sexual assault has broadened to include nonconsensual sexual contact between people of all ages and all genders, and includes assaults within a marraige. In many states, sexual assault has become a blanket term for all violent sex offenses, including rape, but other states have left it as its own criminal offense.

As with most crimes, the exact parameters of sexual assault vary between states, but it is possible to draw some generalities. The following articles give a basic outline of sexual assault, including the elements of the offense, the defenses to a sexual assault charge and the penalties and sentencing possible after a sexual assault conviction.